Base & Mid Layers

Women's-fit thermals and fleece for sailing in northern waters, from past-season Musto, Zhik, Sail Racing and Rooster stock. The layering logic: a snug base layer wicks sweat off the skin — merino or synthetic, never cotton — and a mid layer such as grid fleece traps warm air over it, with your waterproofs blocking wind and spray on top. A women's cut matters most in the base layer, where gaps at the lower back or bunching at the waist let cold in exactly where you bend. For dinghy sailing, thermal tops also work under spray tops and wetsuits. Base layers should feel almost tight when dry; they loosen slightly in use. Wash without softener.